International Governance of War-Torn Territories

Rule and Reconstruction

Richard Caplan

The first comprehensive examination of recent experiences in international governance of war-torn territories

Based on extensive field research, including interviews with over 100 international officials, independent analysts, and journalists, and many official documents

Analyses a topic of considerable current debate, given the recent situations in Iraq and Afghanistan

International Governance of War-Torn Territories

Rule and Reconstruction

Richard Caplan

Description

This major new work provides a comprehensive treatment of recent attempts at international governance of war-torn territories. Drawing on extensive interviews with international officials, independent analysts, and journalists, as well as many official documents, Richard Caplan examines the nature of international administration operations since the mid-1990s, their effectiveness, and the key operational and political challenges which arise.

International Governance of War-Torn Territories

Rule and Reconstruction

Richard Caplan

Reviews and Awards

"...required reading for any presumptive administrator....Caplan's analysis will help us understand better which challenges are inherent and beyond the control of the transitional administrator and which are questions of political, strategic, and operational leadership." -- Ethics and International Affairs

"Richard Caplan's timely and excellent new book should be required reading for the Bush team, as well as other policy makers and analysts."--The World Today

"Caplan explores the complex interaction between the administrative demands placed on international organizations (introducing a modicum of law and order, dealing with refugees, rebuilding the economy) and the political context .... With its detailed and shrewd analysis, it is hard to see how Caplan's measured account will be bettered. His scorecard on these undertakings is by no means negative, but the reader is left in no doubt about the problems, including the pitfalls of managing an effective transfer of power to the local people."--Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs

"Policy-makers in both capitals should read Caplan's excellent study before embarking on any new military adventures."--International Affairs

"Caplan's discussion of accountability, in particular, stands out because it clearly highlights the difficulty of determining to whom an international mission--established by an international organization for the purpose of assisting a local population--should be accountable."--nternational Studies Quarterly